Patio step same height as damp course

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Patiopete
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by Patiopete »

We have just had a lovely patio put in but we are concerned that the step up to the door reaches up to the damp course. This is the only part of the patio that touches up to the house, as the rest has flower beds around it. However, it is quite a large section - as it extends out either side of the door. There is a small cover built over the door but rain does go either side of this and under it. These parts of the wall get damp in the rain.
The second photo shows the left of the door, and the third shows the right of the door.
The builder says that it is fine because there is a fall on the step, and on the patio.
We would be very greatful for some other opinions. Thank you.
Patiopete
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by Patiopete »

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dewaltdisney
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by dewaltdisney »

I should not worry, your porch roof will protect most of the area and the step fall will direct the runoff to the front. You can test the fall with a level or a ball. Damp course bridging needs water hanging around to slowly get sucked into the brickwork such as you find where a flower bed bridges the DPC. Keep an eye on it but I do not think it will cause issues.

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aeromech3
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by aeromech3 »

Or for peace of mind: some clear paint on seal for the mortar and 1st level of brick like: Thompsons Water Seal Clear and Smartseal Brick Sealer.
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by Patiopete »

Thanks for getting back to us. We can't paint the wall unfortunately as the patio touches the damp course. Wondering whether we should ask them to redo the step but it seems like a big job. It's just that I've read a lot about patios needing to be 2 bricks below the DPC.
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aeromech3
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by aeromech3 »

Patiopete wrote: Sun Jun 16, 2024 2:14 pmwe can't paint the wall unfortunately as the patio touches the damp course
.
Perhaps someone can explain why not?
The clear sealants I suggested will not form a bridge!
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by Patiopete »

Sorry, I meant because there is no wall under the damp course, as the step is there. We can paint the mortar/DPC if that would help. Thanks again.
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by dewaltdisney »

The important issue here is if there is a fall on the step, did you check it? Damp penetration will only occur if water lays by the step to wall joint. There might be splash from rain and Aero's suggestion of clear sealant would stop that.

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Patiopete
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Patio step same height as damp course

Post by Patiopete »

Yes, there is fall on the step. Just thought that advice was to not build next to DPC. Maybe it's OK because, as you day, it is only a small section. Thanks again.
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